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Applied Psychology

Creating Learning Environments for the 21 Century is a Course

Creating Learning Environments for the 21 Century

Ended Jul 22, 2020

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Full course description

Course Description

This fully online course is designed to get participants to think of the learning environment (LE) holistically and explore the influences on how the LE is developed. The discussions are meant to probe how the LE often reflects values and priorities and conceptions about learning and teaching. By unpacking these ideals and projecting 21 century needs,  participants will be able to create more intentional learning environments that can incorporate and align the tone of the class, the physical space and digital experiences. Accountability is essential to positive outcomes, therefore this course culminates with participants creating a concrete plan for the ongoing monitoring of their learning environments.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be better prepared to:

  • structure and design their virtual learning spaces to reflect 21-century skills development,

  • translate the values in physical space and digital learning environments 

  • apply best practices in online/remote teaching. 

 
Connection to MA-DESE Professional Standards for Teachers 

This course addresses the following areas of  7.08:
Professional Standards for Teachers

  1. Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment

  2. Teaching All Students

  3. Professional Culture

Timeline and Requirements:

The course runs over a period of 2 ½ weeks.  This instructor-led, fully online course is made of  3 lessons, each lasting 5 days (excluding holidays). Each lesson consists of a 75 min synchronous session, selected readings, videos and web resources, and an assignment submission.  

Submission of all assignments and participation in the 3 synchronous sessions would be required to earn PDPs for this course.   

Synchronous class meeting dates are Tuesday, July 7, Friday July 10 and Monday July 20.  All sessions will start at 9-10:15 am Eastern Time.

Fees & Policies:

Tuition includes all instructional materials. Participants receive a certificate of participation and professional development points.
Payment is due by credit card at registration. Refunds will be granted only up to the first day of class/program. 

Course Instructor

Photo of Keisha Valdez
Dr Keisha Valdez

Dr. Keisha Valdez has been a professional educator for over 22 years. She has been a teacher, coach, and mentor for new professionals, teachers, school leaders, and university faculty. As a former urban, public elementary school teacher she has remained tied to teacher education over the years. She has advised struggling schools/districts on strategies for improving student outcomes, school reform, school-based management and raising the quality of teaching, learning and parent support.

Dr. Valdez currently serves as a Senior Learning Experience Designer at Boston College working with online courses and programs. Also, she designs and teaches professional development workshops and credit-bearing courses related to Designing Learning Environments, Intercultural Competence, and Culturally Responsive Teaching.

Dr. Valdez has expertise in the design and facilitation of highly interactive, action-oriented seminars, workshops, and courses. Her work has provided her opportunities to facilitate workshops and education research presentations in the USA, Trinidad, Samoa, South Africa, UK, and the British Virgin Islands.